State Legislature OKs Westchester Sales Tax Raise

Westchester County's request to increase the sales tax by 1 percent was approved Tuesday by the state Legislature. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, of New Castle, said he's reviewing the bill which is awaiting his signature.

Sen. Peter Harckham, D-Lewisboro, voted against the measure, splitting with other Westchester Democrats, but the bill passed, unofficially, 32 to 28, the Journal News said.

Harckham said he would have preferred a gradual approach to increase the sales tax.

The total sales tax in Westchester is 7.375 percent, which is a point lower than New York City, Putnam and Rockland counties, Long Island and the four major cities in Westchester County.

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